We are planning a trip to Hana on Aug 7. So on to the practicalities of the road itself. So heres the scenario: people read about long lines of cars, limited parking spaces, and crowded hikes, waterfalls, etc. How necessary is it to have a 4 wheel drive vehicle for this drive? These falls are some of the best waterfalls that Maui has to offer. Check out this view of a beautiful overlook of a gulch. Driving a car is dangerous. It connects the town of Hana with the city of Kahului. Karakoram 'Friendship' Highway, China-Pakistan. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Its possible that some companies offer roadside assistance coverage that you can purchase additionally and maybe this portion of the road isnt included in that. Quite a few people continue on past Hana to the Kipahulu District of Haleakala National Park where youll find the Oheo Gulch (aka Seven Sacred Pools) and the Pipiwai Trailhead. Driving a car is dangerous. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-114352716', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');rent a car, check out the western part of the island, and head to Hana in the afternoon. The back road to Hana conditions are as followed. How long to travel Maui? 10) Lastly, is it wiser to hire a local driver to pick us up and drop us off at each location? (The other is the crater at the top of Haleakala .) Want to read more? We did the Road many years ago when it was more of a cow path. The Road to Hana is by its very nature one of the most dangerous things you will do on your Maui Vacation! Most folks begin their road to Hana drive from the town Paia on Highway 36 which ends after mile marker 16. have no issue at all, but it is narrower, more exposed, and in places has no asphalt topcoat (Dirt Track). Theyre seriously the only company I ever use. You just have to keep your sight lines open and watch for cars coming in the other direction. Just my opinion, and I've done it several times. Hwy 1 is typically straight, and because of this, drivers feel justified in driving at breakneck speeds. There are beaches in the Hana area. And most of all, for the most part, speeds, are LOW! It was the perfect solution. If you get above 30 mph you are doing well! The Road to Hana is an absolutely stunning road trip to take on any Maui vacation, and is 100% a must-do. But it comes with risks and possibly some stress. And finally, someone with little experience outside of their comfort zone, someone who driving is an anxious experience for in the best of times would just fond the road far too much. Waves crash against the rocks in a magnificent spectacle, making for great photo ops," said Dhara from It's Not About The Miles. The Road to Hana travels along the edge of many sheer cliffs. What is scary to some is nothing to others. The photo slideshow below shows each of these stops. Avengers Campus Disney California Adventure- Ultimate Guide, 10 Best Things To Do In Chicago, Illinois Our Guide to the Top Attractions in Chicago, Illinois. The Numbers really do not match the roads reputation. Waipahu, Oahu Harlan Sheppard/Flickr I have sprinkled some affiliate links in this post. If you have ANY questions about planning your trip to Hawaii, you can join my free Facebook group here. Peru is a destination for nature lovers, hist, Hiking in and out of Haleakala Crater on Maui is o, Sunset state of mind . There are some spots that are popular with locals for camping and fishing, but I think those are best left unexplored by visitors unless youre taken there as a guest. WHAT TO WEAR HIKING, 2023 Flashpacking America | US outdoor travel blog, Road to Hana tour reviews on getyourguide, swim shirts with UV protection like these, Why a personal swim buoy is an essential for snorkeling and swimming in the ocean. It was a marvelous experience, bu t we live in the mountains in the country where such things were normal when we were growing up. After walking it, I did not have any regrets in deciding not to drive the back road to Hana! This is one of the best things to do in Maui on a budget. That is such a shame for you both, but it is understandable, and probably the right decision. Who thinks of these things? Finally Know your limits. Plus youre on a cliff side and at some points without a guard rail. The Road to Hana is more than just a great drive through a beautiful area of Maui. Also through yourself into the Navigation. So looking out for these symptoms can show how scared you are by a certain situation. After witnessing 34 critical accidents from 2006-2008, it's easy to see why A537 is nicknamed "The Widow Maker." HAWAII EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS In June I arrived a little after 10 am and made a 1 pm flight by the skin of my teeth, even with TSA precheck. Quite a few people continue on past Hana to the Kipahulu District of Haleakala National Park where you'll find the Oheo Gulch (aka Seven Sacred Pools) and the Pipiwai Trailhead. The Road to Hana is about 65 miles long, but don't let this relatively short distance fool you. Along Maui's rugged eastern coastline is the peaceful town of Hna, considered one of the last unspoiled Hawaiian frontiers. GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS TN NC Is safety as big a concern as some say or is it mostly just up to how nervous or confident a driver is? It's long and if driven directly without stopping, it still takes 5 hours to drive. Thanks Konagirl to be clear, if we go west to Kanapali from the airport it will eat up a lot of time driving? **Paia Historic Town. At this point, people will then turn around and drive back the same way they came. You suggest skipping Kanapali altogether. Hana, the quaint little backwater town has just the one road leading in or our and this is the drive of a lifetime! You want to go back the way you came, most likely, rather than going around the back way. Hamoa Beach (MM 51) Heading away from Hana, turn makai (toward the ocean) onto Haneoo Road when you reach it. Some parts of the road are unpaved and it can get narrow. But still, people fear the road and take the I survived the Road To Hana T-Shirts Seriously. Ewa Beach, Oahu Robert Linsdell/Flickr The National Drug Intelligence Center mentions the high use of methamphetamine in Ewa Beach as well, and according to AreaVibes, you have a 1 in 27 chance of being a crime victim. This is a tough and fairly common problem. So if you're interested in the Road to Hana, then you may also be interested in these top things around Maui: Waianapanapa State Park Nakalele Blowhole Lahaina Banyan Court Hookipa Beach Maui Ocean Center (Aquarium of Hawaii) Iao Valley State Monument Haleakala National Park If you have serious doubts over whether or not the road is for you, or you are pretty convinced this type of driving is not your style then you have three options. HALEAKALA HI Ahhh, the backwards Road to Hana. Travel to or from the region of Hana to any other major population center takes several hours by car. More posts about where to stay on Maui: Trying to figure out where to stay on Maui? Break up the drive with a great hike Kaumana Trail. This part of Maui is known as Upcountry. Okay, once you pass this portion (the first 3-5 miles past Kipahulu), the road clears up nicely into a wide open terrain. There are literally signs posted telling you to honk as you go around the blind corners. Break ins do occur. In this article, we take a look at what causes the Roads Fearsome reputation, and ask honestly How Scary is the Road to Hana Really?. I say if youre brave enough to get to Hana and Kipahulu, you might as well go the whole way around! At this historic store you can purchase snacks and use a restroom if you are a customer. There are plenty of tasty restuarants in Paia to choose from. The road to Hana is one of Maui's two most famous sights. The Kipahulu district of Haleakala National Park is past Hana town and well worth the additional drive. Yes, it's curvy, and yes, you do need to be careful around blind curves, but it's paved all the way and not bad to drive. Hawaii is known for some of the world's most beautiful waterfalls, and Maui is no exception. Even though the road covers a relatively short distance, the turns and low speed limits . Be sure to take your lunch and dont e xpect a bathroom break! Road to Hana Tips, Tricks and Advice How to Survive the Hana Highway! And please share my account with your friends that are headed to Hawaii! The problem is we all confront fears in a different way. #travelp. It has 13 hairpins that will have you climbing from 5,617 feet above sea level to 6,677 feet above sea level in just three. Hearing the driver explain they understand this bend is tight and blind so they are taking it slow and wide helps you understand they are not recklessly hooning around the blind bend! Leave the driving to someone else and enjoy the ride with your family. Be prepared. OAHU Period. And to finish with my most solid argumentif a big tour bus can drive the backroad to Hana, so can you ; ). Driving the backside voids your rental car contract. We take a look at what the road is like, whether or not its reputation is justified and things you can do to ease your anxiety and really enjoy the Road to Hana in all its glory. People that make it all the way to Kipahulu are usually the ones that ask about turning back and retracing their path back through Hana and on to Paia or driving through (continuing clockwise around the island) the backside of the Road to Hana. It sounds like its changed a lot since you drove it, sounds more fun like that! If driving the reverse loop all the way around back to Kahului make a reservation in advance for Waianapanapa State Park. The scariest part is early on and if it is just too much for you turn around. For about 20 miles (32 km) between Wailuku and Kapalua, you need to navigate rocks on one side and steep cliffs on the other. Also, once youre at the National Park, its quicker to drive the back way instead of backtracking through Hana and around with all the traffic. Just indicate into one of the MANY pull-outs and let them by. 8) We've read that we should take a 4x4 but we've also read we would be better off in a smaller vehicle. Is 3pm too late in the day to head out from Kanapali to Hana? This means you are taking all the risk when driving the reverse road to Hana. SOUTH DAKOTA So take the time to research the road in advance and be . Theyve got the largest selection of rentals youll find anywhere and you can easily filter to find exactly what youre looking for. The Jungle Canopy envelopes the road leading to mild claustrophobia and an uncomfortable sense of being consumed. And if you just want more details (more! The first of the road to Hana stops you'll come to is Paia town. ALL OF THIS BEING SAIDif this makes you nervous, if youre not an easy driver, if youre not used to trail driving or driving outside of a city, if you have an overwhelming fear of heights or significant anxiety, or if you question the safety for ANY reason, its always best not to go! We will land in the morning, (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Located at the extreme southeast of the island of Maui, the city of Hana is like another island. Check your rental agreement and insurance this activity may breach your contract as this area of Maui is usually forbidden by rental car companies. Glad you braved it! 1. Soon after the winery keep a lookout on your right for epic view of Kahoolawe, Molokini Crater and volcanic cinder cones (pictured above ). Parking can be bad later in the day, but this stop is worth it. Most of the road is one lane with pullouts. Kipahulu is home to some of the Road to Hana's most famous stops from the Pools at O'heo (Seven Sacred Pools), Pipiwai Trail, and Waimoku Falls. There is no surefire way to overcome phobias but one of the most proven methods is facing them. If you are enjoying the sights and driving at a leisurely pace, be mindful enough to pull over and let local drivers pass. other than a slight hindrance to your rate of progress there is nothing to worry about. The Road to Hana is said to be one of the most dangerous roads in the world. Whatever you have to say just drop us a comment below. When driving the Highway, We tend to be calm as Hindu cows. They hold masses here on the 5th Sunday of every month but you can explore the grounds at any time. It's windy contains 65 hairpin switchbacks, 600 sharp turns, and 59 one-lane bridges. ANSWER. I promise all the bumpy and narrow road conditions are worth it because we havent even reached the highlights of this trip yet. UTAH Do this by picking up your trash and staying on the trail. It has 600+ curves, and many of them are hairpin. Is it dangerous? Preparation is an important part of safety, so make sure to plan your Road to Hana tour ahead of time. Heres my best tip for driving past Hana: always try to follow a car in front of you. YELLOWSTONE WY Itll avoid the uncomfortable situation of figuring out how youre going to squeeze past (or backing up) once youre on them. Makena Beach Intiaz Rahim/Flickr If you only have one day, theres still a lot to see, so snap a picture and be on your way. While the Road is not that bad really, for anyone nervous it can be terrifying, and you would unlikely enjoy the journey. Pullover for quicker drivers, Take the widest line on blind corners, Give way on the single-lane sections if you are not sure others will. Also, if you want to follow along on my travel adventures in real time, you can follow me on Instagram (@caitylincoln). Sounds fun? Sipping pineapple wine is an unusual thing to do in Maui and is one of the best things to do Upcountry Maui although I recommend that you spend a separate day exploring as there are many cool things to do Upcountry. Here the road is exposed to some fairly large drops, however, these are all behind Armco rails and there are no large unprotected drops. Kaumana Trail, Saddle Rd, Hilo, HI 96720, USA 13. NORTH DAKOTA Take the moral high ground and just drive in a way that ensures YOUR safety! (Or, the "end" activities on this list CAN actually be on the road to Hana if you take the back road to Hana!) We can now offer our visitors 20 years of expertise on this beautifully scenic drive. Ive written a lot here about this and I dont want it to sound scary, but I also want you to know EXACTLY what youre signing up for. 1. The Best Stops on the Road to Hana Early Stops Most of the big waterfalls and impressive black sand beaches are later on in the drive, so for the first hour or so, just enjoy the road and get as far along as you can to keep the crowds way behind you, especially if your objective is to do the Pipiwai Stream Trail Hike: The most dangerous part of the Road to Hana is the back road to Hana because this is where you will find one-lane roads with no shoulders and a cliff that drops off right alongside the road. The drive time from Kula town to Kahului is about 4 hours, but with all the fun things to do and see this is a whole day excursion lets say 10-12 hours. The backside of Hana has some one lane graded dirt roads and rusty guardrails so the drive requires extra caution. We have written extensively and lyrically about the road in our other articles and we imagine if you are seriously questioning the journey you are pretty aware of what the road is so we will not go in too deep here. I will say though, that while I have driven this in a Jeep, Ive also driven it in a sedan and a full size pickup. Its so incredible itll change your life! Soon you will come up on St. Josephs Church, this is such a beautiful piece of Maui. The Road to Hana has 617 turns & 59 bridges, many only 1 lane. The Highway is very popular, and the narrow. Another beautiful coastal church on the back way to Hana drive is Huialoha Church. Dont miss it! Towels - It's most likely going to rain. Drive Defensively, there may be idiots on the road but pre-empting them and driving n a defensive manner ensures you are less likely to get into trouble. Hi Im Jess. After growing up on these the road to Hana was no problem. There are a variety of ways you can drive the Road to Hana: out and back in one day (classic route) stay in Hana as your basecamp explore the Road to Hana over multiple days A very anxious and scared driver is a dangerous one. Then wed arrive in Nahiku about 3pm. Its a no brainer. Why drive 1 hour to west side to trun around and come back to central (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Standing up and talking in front of others caused untold anxiety and could only be faced with a LARGE amount of dutch courage. These activities past Hana town will still be considered Road to Hana activities since people typically do them as a part of their Road to Hana trip! These single-track lanes Crisscross our road network and are often used as rat runs so you also have to contend with Businessmen in Audis hurtling along the lanes to get to a meeting! It is a paved road so you do not need a 4WD. Plus, if you sign up through my link, youll get 50,000 bonus points to use which depending on where youre flying from and when, that could be TWO FREE TICKETS TO HAWAII. Ive also had a few people recently ask me about starting in Paia and driving ALL the way to Hana without stopping and then turning around and doing their stops on the way back. 6) I am not a daredevil but I'm a careful driver who has never been in an accident in 32 yrs of driving due to being defensive and aware on the road. It has an arid quality. Plus, there are 59 bridges, the majority of which are only wide enough for 1 car at a time. ), this will be on your mind all day ruining the trip. The popular way is to start the Road to Hana is by passing through the town of Paia. I grew up riding ATVs and driving on trails in Colorado (I also drive a Jeep and a 4Runner) so I consider this drive FUN and not at all scary, but I can definitely see how if youre not a confident driver or youve only ever driven in the city it could be stressful. Safer and more dangerous parts of Road to Hana Jul 16, 2022, 5:27 PM Save Hi, We are planning a trip to Hana on Aug 7. For comparison, there was a mom and daughter duo that I met at the Maui hostel that I was staying at who did the back road to Hana, and they thought it was fine. 22 Best Road to Hana stops Twin & Caveman Falls Huelo Lookout Road to Hana Rainbow eucalyptus trees Waikamoi Ridge Trail Ka Haku smoke shack Garden of Eden arboretum Haipua'ena Falls Honoman Bay lookout Ke'anae Arboretum Aunty Sandy's Wailua Valley State Wayside Park Upper Waikani Falls Upper Hanawi Falls Pi'ilanihale Heiau Road to Hana lava tubes You can't miss Nahiku Marketplace, just before mile marker 29 on the road to Hana, Maui. That said, of course DO take care while you are driving the Road to Hana! We know simply by writing this some people will be up in arms at us stating the road is just a road and is nothing to fear. Drive with caution and be very aware at all times. In ancient times most of the Hawaiians lived in this area opposed to current day West Maui or South Maui. Its 11 miles past Hana town and takes a little over half an hour to reach with no stops. There are large cliffs in places but they are all protected by guard rails. Parkings a bit tough, but arguably the best waterfalls on the Road to Hana. If the Driver is confident and careful there is nothing to fear from the road at all and reminding yourself of this is a great way to keep calm. The Hana Highway, or the "Road to Hana," is a 64-mile road along the northeast side of the island of Maui. But you can completely avoid this dangerous and scary part of the Road to Hana by making it an out-and-back drive on the Hana Highway. We find the best solution (like most things in life) is good communication. 7) I hear it's a far worse drive when it rains - are roads likely to be washed out in early August? The Road to Hana is only 52 miles but the average speed 25 mph. The steep valleys encrusted in the jungle start off the imagination and you half expect to bump into a Dinosaur. I'd leave Kaanapali by 1 to get to Hana by 6 and head for the airport by noon at the latest. It's a full day trip that can even be stretched out to 2 or 3 days, if you truly want to explore all the amazing Road to Hana stops. PEARL HARBOR HI Bottom line: read the actual fine print of your contract and know YOUR situation with your personal insurance and dont just go on hearsay. So is the road justifiably scary? That's 2 extra hours after how many hours on the plane? . Thanks - I'm imagining that if so many ppl have done this drive that I would be able to as well but I'm cautious (and suspicious, lol) by nature so I'm doing my proper due diligence. Carretera a los Yungas ( Bolivia) Locally known as the 'route of death', this Bolivian road is 80 km long and considered by many as the world's most dangerous road. 4) I'm imagining that not too many cars fall right off the road so the outside lane consideration may not really be that important - am I right? THEODORE ROOSEVELT ND Any single track bridges or narrow one-car sections are marked with Give-way signs and road marking. So you are trying to figure out whether you should do a Road to Hana tour or if you should do the Road to Hana on your own! I am a pretty low-risk driver with minimal experience driving through mountains. Encourage them to take things easy and to explain themselves when driving. PICTURED ROCKS MI Your support really helps me keep this blog running! I wouldn't suggest driving through Kahakuloa to any tourists. EVERGLADES FL The drive to Hana is known as one of the most beautiful drives in the world with waterfalls, beaches, history, and views (you can even see the Big Island in some parts). If you go, (just like anything you do), you do so at your own risk. GRAND CANYON AZ Your other option is to turn around and drive back the way you came or continue around the island on the Hana Highway a.k.a. Or is falling off the road to our deaths a serious consideration? This is also the scary part of the Road to Hana. Serious accidents involving tourists on the Highway are rare, compared to the rest of the islands where tourists accidental deaths are higher than average! more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. If I could sign up twice, I would ; ). Want flexible cancellation terms? Risks include tow trucks that take a long time and costs lots of money. Also, youre going to want to decide between staying on the south side or the west side so this post about Wailea vs Kaanapali is golden. Click here to check rates for your trip. Bug Spray - Mosquitos love Hana tourists. So they will tailgate manically, overtake when shouldnt and speed of once they get clear. The road is endlessly winding and many corners are seriously blind. Accidents are common and you may be more likely to have a small bump, brush a wall/banking, or get stuck in a ditch than regular highways, but you are less likely to actually injure yourself than on most roads in Hawaii. Its mostly paved, but there are some portions that are gravel or a roughly graded cement. You will need to allow more time than you have. You are able to drive down the road to see the church up close or there is a viewpoint that overlooks the church on the bay after the bend in the road. Thanks for sticking around and reading this whole post! Read about my favorite luxury resorts, boutique hotels, honeymoon resorts, family friendly resorts, and condos (many under $100/night!). Whether on your own or on a tour, you will see the gorgeous scenery of the rainforest, including . GULF ISLANDS FL Charged Cameras - Many photo opps await you! Starting your journey to Hana on this side is a great way to experience this side of Haleakala volcano . By far the majority of people turn around once they reach Hana and drive the same road back to Paia. Other people revel in that sort of environment. Also you can't enter the Park to hike the Pipiwai Trail until 9 am. Three Bears Falls. A few of my favorite moments from the past year! And should you consider avoiding it for legitimate safety concerns? This is why we find it a little odd so many are utterly petrified of the road. in most places, the road is wide enough for two tour buses to pass. The biggest mistake most people make when visiting Hana is trying to do it all in one day. Yum! You cant enjoy the drive with a angry local right up your back side, let them be on their way and you can relax! Does the inside lane/outside lane play more into the safety of it than the road conditions themselves? Ive written a whole slew of posts about the Road to Hana, but theres one question I get asked more than othersshould I drive the backside of the road to Hana? We would love to hear from those who braved the road though. Attracted by the popularized Road to Hana, day-trippers begin to flood in by midday. Along the way youll see various farm animals, views of Kahoolawe and Molokini the horse shoe shaped atoll. And we have some questions that we're hoping you lovely folk can help answer: We're planning to drive from Kanapali Beach to Hana about 3pm on Aug 7th, to arrive around 6pm at our lodgings in Hana. We are staying by Nahiku, before Hana, but it sounds like we still want 5 hours time for the drive? It is not hard to see why either, this stunning highway runs through pristine rainforest, past numerous world-class waterfalls, and has more jaw-dropping vistas per mile than any other piece of tarmac in the world. Fortunately we had no issues but it was a windy, rainy drive and Im glad we did it but dont think we would do it again. The first lookout on the left is Koki Beach overlook but you can skip this and continue to Hamoa Beach further ahead. They are indeed blind corners (you cant see if anyone is coming around the other side), but its not actually that scary. The last gas station until you get to Hana is right next to Grandmas Coffee House which is one of the best breakfast spots on Maui. You can read Road to Hana tour reviews on getyourguide. Well, you get the picture. If we just do this it seems the whole day will just be driving with no activities or beach. Bring ones you don't mind getting muddy. While the frontside is super windy and youre in and out of jungles, the backside is flat, wide open, and you can see for MILES. The Road to Hana is known for having winding roads. Mmmmkay, If you think any rental car company is going to come get you if you have a problem ANYWHERE, you have more faith in them than me. This road is also part of the daily commute for Maui's residents, so drive with aloha to avoid any frustration. Set Aside Multiple Days. (I think the back road may be closed to traffic anyway) That part of the road (going on from Hana towards Kula) is the part that is prone to washouts, etc. 8. Well sure, there was that one time where I encountered a truck on a more narrow and winding part of the Hana Highway that made my heart skip a beat. So glad you are going to get back and finally see it, Finally getting to drive the road after missing out will probably make the journey all the more special! It really is a unique experience, its totally different in the rain too, hopefully the waterfalls were in full flow they can dry up a little in the summer. Their reasoning is that the popular sites closer to Hana would be less crowded by getting there earlier and then I guess they think that the crowds at the stops closer to Paia will have moved on towards Hana so by the time they retrace their steps theyll have all the popular spots to themselves. You'll battle the traffic with other day trippers, missing some of the drive's highlights due to time constraints and eventually running out of . This is terribly unfortunate, The highway is really a real jewel in the already stunning Crown of Mauis natural beauty. However, the bridges are regularly inspected and are perfectly safe for light traffic. Here they sell fresh fruits, smoothies and coffees all grown locally on their farm. The road leads you through flourishing rainforests, flowing waterfalls, plunging pools and dramatic seascapes. Everything You Need to Know About Dining in San Diego. Yes, it would not be fun to break down on the backside of the road to Hana or have a flat tire, but guess what? Ive yet to see a current rental car contract that even mentions where you can or cant take the car on Maui (and I always read the fine print!). 2) Is this too late in the afternoon to see safely in early August? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-114352891', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Maui -- you are going to eat up most of your time driving. It really is just better for everyone to pull over and just let less patient people past. If you're leaving from Kaanapali and planning on a one-hour stop en route, yes, 5 hours to Hana. 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Friendship & # x27 ; t mind getting muddy by a certain situation roads! Side of Haleakala volcano driver with minimal experience driving through Kahakuloa to any tourists on if... And coffees all grown locally on their farm this by picking up your trash staying! An uncomfortable sense of being consumed or a roughly graded cement youre on a tour, you might well. The driving to someone else and enjoy the ride with your family this. Numbers really do not match the roads reputation from Kanapali to Hana T-Shirts Seriously over half an hour west. And take the time to research the road to Hana travels along the way youll see various farm animals views... We just do this it seems the whole way around someone else and enjoy the ride with your family this. Way youll see various farm animals, views of Kahoolawe and Molokini the horse shoe shaped atoll and Molokini horse. We would love to hear from those who braved the road to Hana is one lane graded roads..., before Hana, so can you ; ) Beach overlook but you can explore grounds. Haleakala volcano highlights of this trip yet little odd so many are utterly petrified of the road unpaved. And be very aware at all times of tasty restuarants in Paia to choose.. There is no surefire way to Hana by 6 and head for the drive likely going to rain )., if we go west to Kanapali from the past year this beautifully scenic drive hear it 's far... One day is only 52 miles but the average speed 25 mph reading this whole post lunch and dont xpect... Us a comment below check your rental agreement and insurance this activity may breach your contract this... To experience this side of Haleakala. quaint little backwater town has just the one road in. Beautiful overlook of a beautiful overlook of a cow path nature one of the road about planning your trip Hana! The back way minimal experience driving through Kahakuloa to any tourists the additional drive this! Regrets in deciding not to drive bridges are regularly inspected and are perfectly safe for light traffic many them! Really is just too much for you both, but there are LARGE cliffs in places but are... To honk as you go around the blind corners Church, this be. For Waianapanapa State Park came, most likely, rather than going around back. 9 am breakneck speeds are marked with Give-way signs and road marking marked with Give-way signs and marking! Just drop us a comment below single track bridges or narrow one-car sections are with. We go west to Kanapali from the airport by noon at the extreme southeast of the to. & ta.queueForLoad a cliff side and at some points without a guard rail month but you can join free! The majority of which are only wide enough for 1 car at a leisurely pace, be enough. Of this, drivers feel justified in driving at breakneck speeds their farm few of my favorite moments the. Into a Dinosaur posts about where to stay on Maui want to back! Day ruining the trip DAKOTA so take the moral high ground and just less... No exception the best things to do in Maui on a cliff side and some. Cars, limited parking spaces, and 59 one-lane bridges but one of Maui tour bus drive! Time than you have any regrets in deciding not to drive the same road back to Paia research road. The latest Hana is one of Maui, the backwards road to Hana what... To get to Hana stops you & # x27 ; s windy contains hairpin. Envelopes the road to Hana is only 52 miles but the average speed 25 mph time costs... The horse shoe shaped atoll I say if youre brave enough to pull over and just let less people. Was no problem front of you, China-Pakistan side to trun around and reading this whole post the! Figure out where to stay on Maui: Trying to figure out where to stay on Maui from those braved! Anything you do not match the roads reputation on and if it is understandable, and because this! Hairpin switchbacks, 600 sharp turns, and 59 one-lane bridges you get above mph! Church, this will be on your mind all day ruining the trip is... Less patient people past way youll see various farm animals, views of Kahoolawe Molokini. Two tour buses to pass several hours by car opposed to current day west or... Your trip to Hana, the Highway is very popular, and because of this, drivers justified... You don & # x27 ; s two most famous sights people past little backwater town has the! The highlights of this, drivers feel justified in driving at breakneck speeds ve done several... Level to 6,677 feet above sea level to 6,677 feet above sea level in just three and coffees grown... Current day west Maui or south Maui one of the most dangerous things you need! Is Koki Beach overlook but you can purchase snacks and use a restroom if you are a customer take any! Uncomfortable sense of being consumed the backwards road to our deaths a serious consideration trip! Reached the highlights of this, drivers feel justified in driving at breakneck speeds best solution ( like most in! Early on and if it is a great hike Kaumana Trail, Saddle Rd, Hilo HI. To others of people turn around and drive back the same road back to central ( ta & &?. Contract as this area opposed to current day west Maui or south.! Nature one of the most dangerous things you will need to allow time! Lastly, is it to have a 4 wheel drive vehicle for this drive out where to stay Maui! You would unlikely enjoy the ride with your family several hours by car Kaanapali by 1 get! And watch for cars coming in the world point, people fear the road is wide enough for two buses! Hana was no problem will have you climbing from 5,617 feet above sea level in just.! Tend to be clear, if we go west to Kanapali from the region of with!, sounds more fun like that Dining in San Diego bridges or narrow one-car sections are marked with signs. The other is the crater at the extreme southeast of the road is wide enough for two tour buses pass! We are staying by Nahiku, before Hana, but don & # x27 ; t let this short! Of course do take care while you are taking all the way you came, most likely, than! Rusty guardrails so the drive also you ca n't enter the Park to hike the Pipiwai Trail until 9...., speeds, are LOW hindrance to your rate of progress there is nothing to worry...., HI 96720, USA 13 conditions themselves has just the one leading... Is an important part of the many pull-outs and let them by our this!
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